Transparent Investigations Essential: UN Resident Representative
22-Apr-2026.
Although seven years have passed since the Easter Sunday attacks, victims have still not received full justice, which is a matter of deep concern. Delayed justice is equal to denied justice. Investigations must be conducted transparently, in accordance with international human rights standards, and without political interference, stated UN Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche.
He made these remarks while addressing the Easter Sunday commemoration held at Kochchikade Shrine in Colombo on April 21.
He further stated:
Seven years have passed since the barbaric Easter Sunday bombings carried out in Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019. At this tragic moment, we respectfully remember more than 270 innocent people who lost their lives in churches and hotels, as well as hundreds who were injured. We must honour the deep grief of the affected families and the extraordinary resilience they have shown over many years in their pursuit of justice.
Even after all this time, it is deeply concerning that victims have not received full justice. We must recognise that delayed justice is equivalent to denied justice. The affected families and the broader Sri Lankan society have the right to know the truth. Investigations into this incident must not be merely symbolic. They must be thorough, independent, and conducted in line with international human rights standards, free from political interference.
Ensuring transparent investigations is essential to rebuilding trust in the country’s justice system. It is also a crucial requirement for the future peace and social cohesion of Sri Lanka. Such terrorist acts severely damage harmony between communities. Therefore, it is vital to build trust and mutual respect among communities to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.
In line with UN Human Rights Council resolutions, the international community is closely monitoring accountability and justice processes in Sri Lanka. I reaffirm through this address that the United Nations will continue to provide its support and voice until full justice is delivered.
